Looking for a motorcycle that turns heads, offers a thrilling ride, and still makes sense for your daily commute and wallet? Honda has doubled down on their legendary “Hornet” nameplate, offering two incredible streetfighters: the CB750 Hornet and the flagship CB1000 Hornet SP. Whether you’re a budget-conscious commuter or a performance enthusiast, one of these modern-day Hornets is waiting for you!
Design: Sharp Looks and Aggressive Stance
Both Hornets embrace the aggressive “Hornet” design philosophy—think sharp angles, a muscular fuel tank, and a compact, upswept tail section. They look like they’re ready to pounce!
- The CB750 Hornet features a sleek LED headlight and a clean, sporty look that’s perfect for slicing through city traffic.
- The CB1000 Hornet SP takes the aggression up a notch with a minimal front fairing, a more sculpted tank, and a premium Matte Ballistic Black Metallic color scheme often highlighted with gold accents, signaling its top-tier status.
Both bikes come standard with a 5-inch full-colour TFT display that includes Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity for navigation, calls, and media control. Modern tech meets raw streetfighter attitude!
Engine Performance: Twin-Cylinder Torque vs. Inline-Four Power
Here’s where the two Hornets really diverge, offering distinct riding experiences tailored to different types of riders.
Honda CB750 Hornet: The Everyday Thrill-Seeker
The CB750 Hornet is powered by a brand-new 755cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank. This configuration provides a punchy, usable power delivery right from the low to mid-range—perfect for quick overtakes on the highway or zipping through city streets.
- Engine: 755cc, Parallel-Twin, Liquid-Cooled
- Max Power: Approximately 90.5 PS (at 9,500 rpm)
- Max Torque: 75 Nm (at 7,250 rpm)
- Clutch: Assist and Slipper Clutch
- Riding Modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, and User (Customizable)
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP: The Top-Tier Apex Predator
The CB1000 Hornet SP is the true litre-class monster, drawing power from a formidable 999cc inline-four engine with roots in the CBR-RR superbike. This motor loves to rev high and delivers a massive surge of power that is thrilling on open roads.
- Engine: 999cc, Inline-Four, Liquid-Cooled
- Max Power: Approximately 155 PS (at 11,000 rpm)
- Max Torque: 107 Nm (at 9,000 rpm)
- Quickshifter: Bi-directional Quickshifter (Standard)
- Riding Modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, and two User (5 total modes)
Mileage and Efficiency: Mindful Commuting
For budget-conscious buyers and daily commuters, mileage is key! The difference in engine size and configuration means the CB750 is significantly kinder at the fuel pump.
| Feature | CB750 Hornet (Approx.) | CB1000 Hornet SP (Approx.) |
| Claimed Mileage | 23.25 kmpl | 17 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank | 15.2 Litres | 17 Litres |
The CB750 Hornet is clearly the winner for efficiency, making it a much more economical choice for daily riding and longer tours without frequent stops for fuel.
Safety Features & Premium Hardware
Honda doesn’t skimp on safety, equipping both models with essential technology.
- Dual-Channel ABS: Standard on both bikes for confident, balanced braking.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): A sophisticated traction control system with multiple levels to keep the rubber side down in all conditions.
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS): Flashes the hazard lights during sudden, hard braking to alert drivers behind you.
The CB1000 Hornet SP justifies its premium price with higher-spec hardware:
- Suspension: Showa SFF-BP Inverted Front Fork and a premium Öhlins TTX36 Monoshock at the rear. The SP gets fully adjustable suspension for track-level precision.
- Brakes: Dual 310mm front discs with high-performance Brembo Radial-Mount Calipers for superior stopping power and feel.
The CB750 Hornet is still excellent, featuring Showa SFF-BP Inverted Front Forks and a Pro-Link Monoshock, paired with dual 296mm front discs—more than enough for spirited street riding.
Specifications and Pricing: Making the Choice
| Specification | Honda CB750 Hornet | Honda CB1000 Hornet SP |
| Ex-Showroom Price | Approx. ₹8.59 Lakh | Approx. ₹12.36 Lakh |
| Engine | 755cc Parallel-Twin | 999cc Inline-Four |
| Max Power | 90.5 PS | 155 PS |
| Kerb Weight | 191 kg | 211 kg |
| Suspension | Showa SFF-BP / Pro-Link Monoshock | Showa SFF-BP / Öhlins TTX36 Monoshock |
| Brakes | Dual 296mm Discs / ABS | Dual 310mm Brembo Discs / ABS |
| Quickshifter | Optional/Accessory | Standard |
| Ideal Rider | Daily Commuter, Weekend Tourer, Budget-Focused Performance | Track Days, Absolute Performance, Premium Componentry |
Final Thoughts: Which Hornet is for You?
If you are a daily commuter or a budget-conscious buyer who still wants a powerful, engaging, and feature-rich motorcycle with excellent mileage, the Honda CB750 Hornet is an unbeatable choice. It offers the aggressive looks and modern tech in a package that is lighter, more maneuverable, and easier on your wallet in the long run.
However, if you demand the absolute best in performance, premium, fully-adjustable suspension, and the exhilarating scream of a litre-class inline-four engine, then the CB1000 Hornet SP is worth every extra rupee. It’s a genuine flagship machine designed to dominate.
Whichever Hornet you choose, you’re getting a refined, reliable, and utterly stylish streetfighter from the Honda family. Don’t just read about it—head to your nearest BigWing dealership and experience the sting for yourself!
You can see a detailed review and comparison of both these models in this video: Honda CB750 Hornet & CB1000SP Hornet Review | Low Prices, High Performance.
